When you hear the word "beads," do you immediately think of jewelry? Or do you think of Rosary beads or some other non-jewelry use of beads-beaded dresses, headbands, belts? Perhaps you think of a country and western outfit, a studded, head-to-toe piece of jewelry.
The first thought that enters your mind when you hear the word "beads" may date you and give away your age faster than physical attributes. If you're a product of the 50's, your mind may wander to pop beads, those plastic pull apart, pop together baubles that have risen in value from pennies to $20, $30 or more. If you're a product of the 60's, you may think of "love beads," which complemented the long-haired, unkempt look, or your mind may wander to the long strands of beads that once adorned inside doorways in Haight Ashbury with sounds of The Mamas and the Papas blaring in the background. Thanks to television, it's difficult to forget the beaded belts of the 70s.
From Ancient Trade to Modern Computer Applications
Beads predate the mid-20th century by eons. Remember the abacus? Of course, you can't actually remember back 2000 years unless you possess powers unknown to this author, but you can remember learning about the abacus in school. In Europe, Venetian glass beads and German metal beads served as currency in trade as early as the 16th century. Beads also played a central role in Native American jewelry.
Bohemia (aptly named) was the center of the European bead trade from as far back as the Middle Ages. Through the twists and turns of history, bead making moved to Bavaria and now, has once again found its home in the Chezk Republic, in the Bohemia area, home of Swarovski Austrian crystals.
In 1990, Native American traditional beadwork intersected with computer sciences. Several college campuses introduced a pilot program in which beadwork shaped the foundation for courses AutoCad and other design program courses for Native American students. The popularity and applicability of these courses continues today.
Modern Beads
Now that we've strolled down memory lane and taken a quick look at vintage beads, beads no longer in production, where do beads fit into today's jewelry scene? They're everywhere you look from casual chokers and necklaces to fine Swarovski Austrian crystal designs.
Think beyond a single strand of beads. Start by thinking of a single strand of beads from which a pendant dangles. From there, think pins-yes, pins adorned with beads, beaded bracelets, barrettes, earrings, etc. In fact, think beyond jewelry to purses and other accessories. If you look closely at your surroundings, you'll find beads everywhere.
The Many Faces of Beads
Another thing that you might rethink is the composition and shape of beads. Today's beads come in a myriad of shapes and materials, with Austrian crystal topping the list. Today's look du jour of transparent, translucent and iridescent beads don the bodies of the rich and famous along with everyday mortals. Venetian glass beads often encapsulate swirls within the beads for a unique, timeless quality.
The latest in fashion trends includes little beaded silk purses. While you wouldn't want to cover yourself in head-to-toe beads unless you're auditioning for a singing gig in Nashville, a silk beaded purse with a complementary beaded necklace turns an ordinary evening outfit into a walking work of art.
Open your eyes and look for one-of-a-kind, handmade beaded jewelry. It's everywhere, and it's calling your name.
M J Plaster is a successful author who provides information on shopping online for beads and jewelry in general. M J Plaster has been a commercial freelance writer for almost two decades, most recently specializing in home and garden, the low-carb lifestyle, investing, and anything that defines la dolce vita.
The key to a successful life lies in following your... Read More
Blushing can be a curse. Blushers experience a range of... Read More
Intelligent conversation is one of life's pleasures. I love nothing... Read More
Got your attention, didn't I? I figured that title would... Read More
Editors Note: Family Circle Interview (2003) with Dr. Wayne Dyer:Could... Read More
We are all part of the universe. The universe is... Read More
The woman stood over the stove stirring a pot of... Read More
He always looks perfectly put together. He can be in... Read More
It's time for the "mainstream" to WAKE UP. The alarm... Read More
1. The Law of BalanceI got an email from a... Read More
Congratulations! You are the world's expert.That's right: you are the... Read More
Whilst everyone seems hell bent on becoming "wealthy" at all... Read More
We are often asked to tell our life-story. I wasn't... Read More
Three Secrets to Effective Affirmations:1 Drive your Physiology - by... Read More
Would you rather be wealthy or poverty-stricken? Not a difficult... Read More
Have you heard yourself or others say: "This has shown... Read More
Most of your success in life will come from your... Read More
Evolution is nothing but seeking with clarity, demanding clarity at... Read More
Mannerisms and personality traits go a long way in making... Read More
Sitting here today in sunny Queensland Australia, I'm reflecting on... Read More
To create true, lasting prosperity, almost any guru can tell... Read More
"You cannot step into the same river twice"Hericlitus spoke those... Read More
With all the media attention you've probably become aware that... Read More
You know it's funny how some people just seem to... Read More
It's time for that annual ritual of making (and breaking)... Read More
There is a thread of certainty that runs through many... Read More
You've heard me talk in previous articles about Deliberate attraction.... Read More
You are a money magnet. Money is flowing to you... Read More
Shyness is nothing to be ashamed of and you can... Read More
Our feelings are perceived by means of our sensors, our... Read More
"Within you is the power to change your life"Lately I've... Read More
Recently a friend of mine was talking about all the... Read More
The Concept of Beauty"Mirror Mirror on the Wall, who's the... Read More
I've navigated plenty of speed bumps on life's road. My... Read More
Most of your success in life will come from your... Read More
If we could choose right now, this moment, how we... Read More
I hear of so many people using affirmations as the... Read More
Each relationship combines two individual stories to coauthor a new... Read More
Last month I was on another adventure, fishing Dog Lake... Read More
Few people are prepared for the responsibilities and tasks involved... Read More
Stepping outside your old limitations and 'out of the box'... Read More
In my private practice for the past 15 years I... Read More
In the past, I have touched on the connection of... Read More
Character is that which defines us; it's what people will... Read More
I am a physicist by education, and a practical business... Read More
To create true, lasting prosperity, almost any guru can tell... Read More
Sitting here today in sunny Queensland Australia, I'm reflecting on... Read More
Precious, brilliant and expensive-why wouldn't diamonds be a girl's best... Read More
I did a quick search on the Internet for pheromones.Pheromones... Read More
You have heard it time and again. Lottery Winners lose... Read More
I find it particularly disheartening when I hear someone refer... Read More
He always looks perfectly put together. He can be in... Read More
"I'd like to find a partner who dances. Do you?"... Read More
"Your face is my map to your life." - Houdini,... Read More
Wherever you go, there you are. There's no escaping it... Read More
It is extremely important that people have a good first... Read More
This is the sixth article in our "True Power" series.... Read More
Dr. Wayne Dyer has been an inspiration for me for... Read More
Emile Coué, the French psychotherapist once said: "When the imagination... Read More
Welcome to The Gift ? a simple pattern that is... Read More
If you always do what you've always done, you'll always... Read More
With all the media attention you've probably become aware that... Read More
The day of duck-taped glasses, suspenders and pocket-protectors are quickly... Read More
Good Morning! It's the Island outlaw here again. You know... Read More
The woman stood over the stove stirring a pot of... Read More
Many people on the planet are realizing that the key... Read More
Attraction |